---
I've re-watched "The Wire" about 3 to 4 times already...the new HD release is already on Amazon Prime Instant Video and I don't think I would've noticed if the news hadn't been posted. On The Wire subreddit, someone posted a few more comparisons:
http://www.reddit.com/r/TheWire/comments/2qgs9e/the_wire_rem...
If you're new to The Wire, I suggest watching the HD versions first, in spite of Simon's compelling arguments to the contrary. The Wire just has so many disorienting things about it to new watchers -- the barrage of police lingo, the high number of black to white characters, the 90s-era technological timeframe -- that the 4:3 ratio's fidelity isn't worth the mental bias you might have that associates 4:3 with "cheap" or "old"...the show can already be difficult for people to get into.
Speaking of the r/TheWire subreddit...a year ago, a sound editor did a Q&A...if you're interested about the minutiae of the show, and curious about the technical details of sound mixing is done...it's one of the best things I've ever read about the show:
http://www.reddit.com/r/TheWire/comments/1qn6ff/i_was_a_soun...